Bettis has a role in gambling proposal

From Journal Sentinel wire reports

Wednesday, July 7, 2004

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis acknowledged Tuesday having a limited partnership in a company seeking to build a $500 million horse racing track and slots parlor.

Last week, the NFL said it wanted to talk to Bettis about his ties to the Pennsylvania project.

Bettis, in a statement, said he appeared in Harrisburg last week with developer C.J. Betters as lawmakers were considering legalizing slot machines in the state. He is a partner in Betters' Pittsburgh Development Group II, and sees the proposed track and parlor in Hays as a good investment.

"As the Hays development project continues, my advisers and I will monitor the activities of PDG II, and should my involvement present a conflict with the NFL rules, I will take whatever actions (are) appropriate to assure compliance with those rules," Bettis said in the statement.

On Monday, Gov. Ed Rendell signed a bill authorizing 61,000 slot machines at 14 sites.

The NFL prohibits players from advertising or promoting activities "that can reasonably be perceived as constituting affiliation with or endorsement of gambling."

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